CLC trains over 200 Indian officials

Singapore sees good support for the Indian Smart Cities Mission from the country’s private sector, including start-ups.

The Indian private sector, including startups, are well positioned to support the central and state governments in achieving the Smart Cities Mission, observed Michael Koh, a Fellow of Singapore’s Centre of Liveable Cities (CLC).

Koh believes creative small and medium enterprises can contribute to the development of India’s smart cities.

“The Indian private sector and governments are working together to achieve the mission,” said Koh of CLC which has trained over 200 Indian officials in various capability development programme including town and country planning.

The CLC is providing advice and capability development on urban planning, development, and governance to the Government of Andhra Pradesh in the development of Amaravati, the planned 217 sq km greenfield capital city.

CLC distils, creates and disseminates knowledge on liveable and sustainable cities based on Singapore and global examples also conducts capability development programmes for international participants.

Over 200 Indian officials have attended CLC’s various capability development programmes, of which approximately 100 are officials from Andhra Pradesh, and the other 100 from the Town and Country Planning Organisation.

“We look forward to continue exchanging knowledge between India and Singapore,” said Koh on the sidelines of the World Cities Summit 2018 held from 8-12 July.

He cited the progress made on the construction of key government buildings and the Start-Up Area in Amaravati, saying it was a good example of how Andhra Pradesh is progressing in the development of its capital city.

While CLC keeps to its advisory role, Singapore’s private sector has been involved in helping the southern state build the city since 2014.

Surbana Jurong submitted the city’s masterplan in 2015 to the state government and following on is a consortium comprising Ascendas-Singbridge and Sembcorp Development partnering with Amaravati Development Corporation Ltd on the master development of the 6.84 sq km Start-Up Area of the capital city.

Going forward, CLC and Singapore companies will continue to make available their services towards the re-development of other Indian cities.

“We hope to build more collaborations with like-minded Indian institutes,” he said. fiinews.com